21 August 2007

Boobs on Bikes Parade Offensive to Families and Standards of Decency

Family First NZ says that the Boobs on Bikes Parade shows that the Auckland City Council and the Police are unwilling and possibly unable to apply the law in the best interests of families and standards of decency.

Section 125 of the Crimes Act clearly states that it is a crime to “wilfully (do) any indecent act in any place to which the public have or are permitted to have access, or within view of any such place.”

“The pornography industry is indecent and offensive to many people,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ, “and while private functions and Expos cater to a targeted audience, a parade during lunchtime down a major street will cause widespread offence.”

“The Police are interpreting the law as it relates to this particular parade with a liberal bias, and is inconsistent with their actions towards any other individual who may parade topless in a public place.”

“It is ironic that on Saturday a group of concerned NZ’ers will march up Queen St against child abuse, yet only 3 days earlier there will have been a parade promoting and normalising the pornography industry.”

“While the country despairs over the high levels of child abuse, including sex abuse, child pornography, and the increase in sexual crimes (47% increase in sexual offences in the Counties-Manukau area for example), the Police and local Councils are willing to turn a blind eye to a parade promoting the pornography industry.”

“It also seems ironic that the Council cannot allow a V8 street race with all its positive profile and boost to the local economy, yet seem to roll over for this undesirable parade.”

Family First wonders whether a march by a pro-Nazi group, Methamphetamine Manufacturers Support Group or a Boy Racers procession would also receive a permit and a nod of approval from the Police.

Family First is calling on the government to amend s125 of the Crimes Act to specifically outlaw public parades of nudity, and for local Councils to be given sufficient powers to be able to ban these types of offensive parades.

“It is time that the rights and protection of families and standards of decency were given priority,” says Mr McCoskrie.

ENDS

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